Do you prefer using the App or the Online version?

Craig Allen

I'm new to Logos.

I have Windows PCs, and a Mac laptop, plus tablet and phone.

I might be a good candidate for using the Online version(s) of Logos.

However, my first instinct is to install them as desktop apps to my computers.

For those of you who have done it both ways, why do you prefer one way or another?

Is the web-only experience as good as (or good enough, presuming internet is solid) as the desktop app experience?

Does the web app work like other web-based applications (i.e. Google docs, Evernote), that you can pick up one a new device exactly where you left off on a prior device?

Many thanks!

Select 1-3 relevant tags below.

Dennis Toll

https://community.logos.com/discussion/243812/do-you-prefer-using-the-app-or-the-online-version

The Web App is improving, but it is still not as strong as installing the desktop version. There are search features and layout features that do not exist in the Web version. I have used Chromebooks, and when I did, I had to use the web version, but I much prefer the desktop. Many basic features work well online, but to take advantage of all the features, you will need the desktop. I ended up moving away from Chromebooks and into the Mac world, just to take full advantage of the features of Logos. More expensive, but worth it for more in depth Bible study.

And no, the web app does not work like Google docs. To have the same layout across computers, you will have to save the web page as a link, and then open that link on another machine. It's possible, but not as simple as Google docs.

Dennis

Craig Allen

Dennis,

Thanks so much for weighing in.

So, the beauty of other web apps (as I mentioned: Google docs, Evernote, as examples), is things are auto-synced. And you can pick up immediately where you left off on the last device.

So, it sounds like that's not the case here. Too bad.

However, I wonder if the saving as a web link provides another opportunity: Is there a way to save work on one desktop app, and export it; and then import that on another device (let's say between home and work computers)?

Or are their settings that can be mirrored (preferences, options, etc.) from one machine to another? (audio and video software often has this capability).

Or ability to move a study (let's say a series of notes, notebooks, and current Sermon Manager updates) from Desktop to Web; or from Web to Desktop? Or to sync all devices?

Or does Logos truly want a single home, and it's really best to commit to a single machine?

Donovan Palmer

https://community.logos.com/discussion/243812/do-you-prefer-using-the-app-or-the-online-version

The Logos web app has come a long way and is best in class. I use it most every day. It is not, however, a full replacement for the desktop app version. (nor are the mobile apps)

For example, inline search on the web app does not have the power that the desktop app has. There are also some features like the Copy Bible Verses tool and exports which are not available on the app. You also cannot save layouts.

So the web app is short of full feature parity with the desktop app, but it is still very useful. Sometimes I will have a layout opened in the desktop app, but I will have the web app open in a few tabs on my browser. My workflow would be that my desktop app is configured and optimised for Greek studies, but I want to have another layout for chasing a trail in Hebrew. In effect I use this as a workaround for not being able to have multiple layouts open at the same time. So all this to say, the web app has a lot going for it.

It has been a while since I used the app on multiple machines (I had one at work and one at home), but from memory most of my settings and preferences transferred from machine to machine. I seem to recall that my personal books did not automatically sync, but my memory on that may be incorrect or perhaps new functionality has been added.

As it is free to install the app and if you have good internet for the downloads, I would suggest electing a primary machine, then experiment with a secondary machine.

Have fun and welcome to the community! 🙂

John Fidel

I suggest installing the desktop app on your 2 desktops, as those will synchronize. I prefer the web app on my iPad and the mobile app on my iPhone.

The web apps really coming along, but it is not equal in function to the desktop app.

Just my thoughts.

Antony Brennan

The desktop app is the bomb, it has everything.

Currently the different apps support different use cases. For the real juice only the desktop app will suffice, in my considered opinion.

I only use the mobile apps when I don't have access to my MacBook, or if I am reading on my iPad.

If I am out in the word I will use the mobile app on my iPhone.

The web app I rarely use.

If I was stuck on the proverbial desert island, and I could only choose one method of access, it would be the desktop app. The island would have power and high speed internet of course.

Steven MacDonald

https://community.logos.com/discussion/243812/do-you-prefer-using-the-app-or-the-online-version

Definitely the desktop app. Whether I open it on my MacBook or my Surface Pro, my preferences are carried over as well as my layouts. That is definitely one of my favorite features.

Frank Sauer

For me, Desktop by far, then the Android app for tablet and phone and while I agree with others as to the improvement of the Web App over time - I personally rarely touch it since they pushed the Dynamic Toolbar on it. (Which for you as a new user, if by new you mean via Subscription - will mean nothing as the Dynamic Toolbar would be all you know. For those of us who have been around and know the ease and efficiency of the Classic Toolbar…. It's another story)

Jonathan Bradley

app on the computer and phone.

App for preaching on the iPad. Web app for study and stuff on the iPad. More functionality.

cshover8669

I prefer the desktop hands down. However, If I need to do a quick search during a sermon at Church, I use the mobile app, and if I am at work and want to study on my breaks, I use the web app. I just have to remember that if I find myself wanting to dig really deep, I have to wait until I am back on my desktop so I can use the desktop app.

Jonathan Bradley

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1346558#Comment_1346558

This is so very true, @cshover8669! The desktop app has the best functionality, hands down. I love the mobile apps, as the features are becoming more functional on them, but not nearly to the same level as the desktop versions.